JP Lemay for
ACC Tax Commissioner

"I would like to take this opportunity to endorse JP Lemay for the office of Clarke County Tax Commissioner.  Having served the Athens-Clarke County community for the past 8 years as Tax Commissioner and knowing JP Lemay both personally and professionally, I have confidence in JP’s abilities to lead the office ethically and with integrity.  JP understands the responsibilities of the office of Tax Commissioner including adhering to the laws of the State of Georgia and the importance of the office and its employees to treat each and every tax payer equitably and with respect. I ask that you join me in voting for JP Lemay for the position of Clarke County Tax Commissioner in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, May 21, 2024."

- Current ACC Tax Commissioner Toni Meadow

 

"JP Lemay's experience and intellect make him ideally suited for the role of Tax Commissioner.  I fully endorse JP, confident in his ability to lead with authenticity, ensure fiscal responsibility, and uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness in our tax system."

- Former ACC Deputy Tax Commissioner James Finley 

JP was born and raised in Lewiston, Maine.  After studying Information Technology at Southern Maine Community College, he began moving south in search of a warmer climate.  After stops in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta, he settled in Athens in 2009.

 

In 2013, JP began working as a Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, where he served as the primary technical contact for the Tax Assessor's Office and Tax Commissioner's Property Tax and Motor Vehicle Offices.  In that role, he assisted with all aspects of day-to-day operations, leveraging the available technology to help those offices best serve the taxpayers.  He then worked in the Tax Commissioner's Office as a Property Tax Representative, assisting taxpayers with payments, questions, and understanding the expemption options available to them.  Since mid-2021, JP has worked as the Project Management Program Supervisor in the Leisure Services Department, managing capital projects to maintain and modernize existing facilities, and construct new amenities for the residents of Athens-Clarke County. 

 

JP served on the Board of Directors for Live Foward/AIDS Athens from 2014-2018, where he also served as Treasurer.  In this role, he helped oversee the operations and finances of a local non-profit agency with an annual budget of $1.6 million. During his time of the board, JP worked to revise their employee handbook and HR policies, overhauled the IT infrastructure, increased fundraising, and served on the transition team during their move to the Athens Resource Center for the Homeless.  From 2015-2021, JP also served on the Athens-Clarke County Employee Charity Drive Committee.  The committee administers the employee emergency assistance fund and coordinates fundraising activites that allow employees to donate directly to local charities through payroll deduction, raising over $150,000 annually for agencies dedicated to serving the residents of Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding area.  He currently serves as the Blood Drive Coordinator for ACC's Red Cross blood drives, recruiting donors for and managing fifteen blood drive days each year.

 

As your next Tax Commissioner, JP will serve with experience, integrity, and compassion.  He understands the importance of the role the Tax Commissioner and the responsibilities that come with it.  He will ensure that all taxpayers are treated with the same courtesy, respect, and best service possible in every interaction.

The Tax Commissioner oversees all aspects of property tax collection, from digest preparation to billing, accounting, and disbursements, including real estate, public utilities, and ad valorem taxes on vehicles and mobile homes, distributing collections to various governing authorities. Additionally, as a tag agent for Georgia, the Commissioner collects taxes, fees, and penalties for motor vehicles as per state regulations, enforcing all mandated laws.

 

For over 20 years, the Athens-Clarke County Tax Commissioner's Office has been one of the best in the state of Georgia.  They serve every taxpayer with the same high level of customer service, respect, and expertise in every interaction. They consistently score high marks on their audits from county, state, and outside auditors. They balance their books to the penny every day, virtually eliminating the possibility of undiscovered theft or malfeasance.  They work closely with taxpayers who need more time to pay their tax obligation, avoiding the seizure of property whenever possible.  They collect over 99.5% of the taxes due each year. They accurately collect and disburse over $200,000,000 in taxes and fees each year, while maintaining detailed accounting records of all transactions.  

Understanding all aspects of the Tax Commissioner's role and responsibilities is crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of the office.  In addition to assisting serving taxpayers with understanding and paying their taxes, the Tax Commissioner oversees the distibution of all collected taxes to the appropriate entities including the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the Clarke County School District.  Without regular and accurate disbursements, their ability to fund and maintain smooth operations could be jeopardized.

JP will bring a wealth of experience in the operations of the Tax Commissioner's Office and its partners, serving taxpayers, utilizing technology to improve efficiency and accuracy, and working within the structure of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.  This experience ensures that JP will be able to lead the Tax Commissioner's Office on Day 1, continuing the legacy of reliable and trustworthy service given by our current and past Tax Commissioners. 

If you'd like to help JP's campaign, please consider a financial donation.  

 

Donations may be made by cash, check, or credit card.  Please email JPforTC@jplemay.net to arrange for pickup of cash or check donations.  Credit card donations can be made by clicking the button below.